Description
The Chapler Short Film Festival 2026 is a celebration of cinematic creativity, storytelling, and innovation — bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world. Set against an atmosphere of inspiration and discovery, the festival showcases a dynamic selection of independent films, documentaries, shorts, and experimental works that push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Beyond screenings, the festival hosts interactive panels, and networking sessions, offering a platform for emerging voices and seasoned professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and spark new collaborations. The Chapler Film Festival 2026 is not just an event — it’s a movement that honors the power of film to connect, challenge, and inspire.
Objective
The primary objective of the Chapler Film Festival 2026 is to promote artistic excellence in filmmaking while fostering cultural exchange and creative dialogue. The festival aims to:
- Encourage and support independent filmmakers by providing a global platform for their work.
- Inspire audiences through diverse stories that reflect human experiences, social change, and innovation.
- Connect creators, producers, and film enthusiasts through meaningful engagement and professional opportunities.
- Celebrate the transformative impact of cinema as an art form that transcends boundaries and unites communities.
WHO IS “AM CHAPLER PRODUCTIONS”?
At CHAPLER, we immerse ourselves in creativity and innovation to turn ideas into stunning visual masterpieces. Our work spans captivating nano movies to breathtaking feature films, each project reflecting our dedication to artistic excellence and cutting-edge technology.
We started as a movie production company in the year___, planning to produce and publish feature films, web series, short films, music videos, documentaries and even nano movies as our originals. We also running a YouTube channel in name of “CHAPLER MEDIAMAX” delivering quality contents like, nano movies, short films, web series and music videos consistently. We are aiming to launch our own OTT platform soon.
Last year we successfully finished our first year of “Chapler Awards 2025” on April 16, in the birth anniversary of the legendary actor Mr. Charlie Chaplin.
CHAPLER SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2026
his year, our event is much more than just a competition; it is a grand festival celebrating cinema with 72 awards, 12 categories, a full day of screenings, and award ceremony.
Chapler Productions is proud to introduce two honorary awards this year: one in remembrance of the legendary actor Mr. Nagesh, and the other in remembrance of the legendary actress Mrs. T.P. Rajalakshmi (Cinema Rani).
In addition to short films and short-form content, we are excited to debut the 'Best Feature Film of the Year' award. Featuring the award-winning feature film team on the same stage as short filmmakers will serve as a powerful inspiration and encouragement for our emerging talent.
Our chief guests and jury members are the most eligible and recognized professionals in the industry. Their names will be announced soon.
WHY AS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL THIS YEAR?
Chapler Productions decided to go beyond simple awards, dedicating our event to the holistic celebration of the filmmakers themselves. We celebrate the makers by screening their work, hosting panel discussions, and creating a space for mutual appreciation and mentorship recognized by celebrity guests. We fundamentally believe that a short film festival recognizes the artistic maturity of the short form and provides an essential platform for the artists who are shaping the future of cinematic narrative. Ultimately, the festival brings people together to celebrate challenging, diverse, and vital cinematic work, thereby enriching both local culture and critical discourse.
AWARD CATEGORIES
- Best Short Film Winner
- Best Short Film Runner
- Best Short Film 2nd Runner
- Best Director
- Best Writer
- Best Cinematographer
- Best Editor
- Best Music
- Best Sfx
- Best Vfx
- Best Actor Male
- Best Actor Female
- Best Nano Movie Winner
- Best Nano Movie Runner
- Best Nano Movie 2nd Runner
- Best Director
- Best Writer
- Best Cinematographer
- Best Editor
- Best Music
- Best Sfx
- Best Vfx
- Best Actor Male
- Best Actor Female
- Best Documentary Winner
- Best Documentary Runner
- Best Documentary 2nd Runner
- Best Director
- Best Writer
- Best Cinematographer
- Best Editor
- Best Music
- Best Sfx
- Best Music Video Winner
- Best Music Video Runner
- Best Music Video 2nd Runner
- Best Director
- Best Lyricist
- Best Cinematographer
- Best Editor
- Best Music
- Best Choreographer
- Best Vfx
- Best Animated Movie Winner
- Best Animated Movie Runner
- Best Animated Movie 2nd Runner
- Best Director/Creator
- Best Writer
- Best Animator
- Best Music
- Best Sfx
- Best AI Movie Winner
- Best AI Movie Runner
- Best AI Movie 2nd Runner
- Best Director/Creator
- Best Writer
- Best Director
- Best Prompter
- Best Student Film Winner
- Best Student Film Runner
- Best Student Film 2nd Runner
- Best Director
- Best Writer
- Best Cinematographer
- Best Editor
- Best Music
- Best Sfx
- Best Vfx
- Best Actor Male
- Best Actor Female
- In this category, top 25 selected movies will be published in YouTube simultaneously on 15th of March, 2026. After one month, on 15th April all the movies will be unlisted temporarily, and a winner will be selected based on the view count (highest). These movies will be published again from 17th April and remain permanently on our YouTube channel, 'Chapler MediaMax.'
- (Strictly copyright contents are not allowed and movies should not be released any other digital platforms like, YouTube, OTT, Facebook, Instagram and Websites for this category)
- From this year onward, Chapler Productions is honored to introduce a special award for the Best Feature Film of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates excellence in filmmaking and acknowledges feature films that set new standards in creativity, narrative strength, and technical brilliance.
- The awardee for this category will be selected directly by the audience through an online poll, which will be conducted by Chapler MediaMax YouTube channel.
- The Best YouTube Series award by Chapler Productions celebrates remarkable creativity and storytelling in digital episodic content, recognizing YouTube series that captivate audiences through originality, consistency, and artistic excellence.
- The awardee for this category will be selected directly by the audience through an online poll, which will be conducted by Chapler MediaMax YouTube channel.
- The Best Content Creator in Digital award celebrates outstanding digital creators who set new benchmarks in creativity and audience engagement through compelling, original, and influential digital content.
- The awardee for this category will be selected directly by the audience through an online poll, which will be conducted by Chapler MediaMax YouTube channel.
- This prestigious award is established to honor the most accomplished actors in Tamil cinema, carrying the name and legacy of the legendary actor/comedian, Mr. Nagesh. We are profoundly happy to announce that this year's recipient of the 'Nagesh Award' is the versatile and beloved legendary actor, Mr. Vadivelu.
- Cheyur Krishnarao Nageshwaran (1933–2009), popularly known as Nagesh, was a legendary Indian actor and comedian primarily celebrated for his work in Tamil cinema. Dubbed the "Jerry Lewis of India" for his energetic and distinct comedic style, Nagesh was a multifaceted artist who acted in over 1,000 films spanning five decades (1958–2008). Though he debuted in 1958, his career soared in the 1960s. He performed in a wide range of roles, including comedian, lead hero, supporting actor, and antagonist (villain). He was a key figure who regularly shared the screen with cinematic giants of three generations, including M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth.
- His Legacy: Nagesh's style was characterized by witty dialogue, impeccable comic timing, expressive body language, and a masterful use of mimicry. He remains one of the most prolific and influential comedians in the history of Indian cinema.
- This prestigious award is established to honor the most accomplished actors in Tamil cinema, carrying the name and legacy of the legendary actress, Mrs. T.P. Rajalakshmi(Cinema Rani). We are profoundly happy to announce that this year's recipient of the 'T.P. Rajalakshmi Award' is the versatile and beloved legendary actress, Mrs. Simran.
- T.P. Rajalakshmi (1911–1964), popularly known as 'Cinema Rani' (Queen of Cinema), was a towering pioneer in early Indian cinema. She was a prolific actress, filmmaker, singer, producer, and social reformer. Rajalakshmi holds the historic distinction of being the first actress in both Tamil and Telugu cinema and the first female director in South Indian cinema, making her one of the most significant and multifaceted figures in the industry's history. Rajalakshmi began her career in theater—a field heavily dominated by men at the time—after her child marriage ended and her family faced poverty. Displaying immense talent, she quickly rose to become a major star. She made her historic film debut in the first Tamil and Telugu bilingual talkie, Kalidas, in 1931.
- Her Legacy: Her pioneering work and determination were crucial in breaking gender barriers in the nascent Indian film industry, inspiring future generations of women filmmakers and artists. In recognition of her immense contribution to the arts, the Government of Tamil Nadu rightly honored her with the title 'Kalaimamani'.
- The awardees in the above three categories (9th, 10th, 11th) will be selected directly by the audience through an online poll, which will be conducted by Chapler MediaMax.
About The Contest
(Top 5 films will be screened in front of juries and best three will be awarded by the Chief guest)
Entry Fees
- Nano movies = ₹499+ GST/-
- Short films = ₹799+ GST/-
- Documentary = ₹799+ GST/-
- Music Video = ₹599+ GST/-
- Animated movie = ₹799+ GST/-
- AI Movie = ₹599+ GST/-
- Student Film = ₹299+ GST/-
- Audience Favourite Movie = ₹299+ GST/-
Trophies & Certificates
Trophies, Cash prizes & Certificates for the first three places in every categories will be provided by the guests on stage.
Trophies & Certificates for best technicians and artists in each category will be provided by the guests on stage.
Screening at Awards event
Top 5 films in each category will be screened at the awards event day in front of juries.
Audience Favourite Movie Award & Cash Prize
The winner of “Audience Favourite Movie Award” will be announced and awarded with cash prize of Rs. ____ on the final event day.
This award is based on highest views and engagement only.
Start Submitting Your Works
Registration Starting Date
15/12/2025
Last Date for Submission
14/03/2026
Awards Ceremony:
16/04/2026
